Introduction to Religion A.Religion and language lie at the foundation of culture 1.Religion is the great binding force in societies less dominated by technology 2.Religions change continually with the times 3.The great religions have been adopted across cultural barriers and language boundaries 4.Map of religions, like languages, continues to change

Religion's role in society 1. In some countries it practically constitutes culture 2. It manifests itself in many different ways: Worship of souls of ancestors in living natural objects Belief in a deity or deities 3. Each religion has sets of doctrines, beliefs, and complex rituals 4.How religion's doctrines and beliefs can affect culture The ideas that a "good" life has rewards and "bad" behavior risks punishment Modes of dress Kinds of food a person can or cannot eat 5. Religion has had powerful positive as well as deep negative effects on human societies

Characteristic Features of Religion Belief in supernatural beings(Gods). Ritual acts focused on sacred objects. A moral code believed to be sanctioned by the gods. Characteristically religious feelings(awe, sense of mystery, sense of guilt, adoration), which tend to be aroused in the presence of sacred objects and during the practice of ritual and which are connected with the idea of gods. Prayer and other forms of communication with gods. A more or less total organization of one’s life based on the world view. A world view, or a general picture of the world as a wholes and the place of individual therein. The overall purpose of or point of the world and how an individual fits into it. A social group bound together by the above.

Purpose of Religion Religion is a culture universal. Answers questions to the unknown. Provides a code of ethics. Maintains order and unity. To comfort in times of tragedy.

Classifications of Religions Monotheistic religions – worship a single deity. Polytheistic religions – worship more than one deity, even thousands. Animistic religions – belief that inanimate objects posses spirits and should be revered.

Types Of Religions Universal Religion(Global)Universal Religion(Global): Attempt to appeal to all people, not just to those of one culture or location. 3 major Universalizing religions: Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. Ethnic Religion(Cultural)Ethnic Religion(Cultural): Based on physical characteristics of a particular place, and therefore limited in its appeal. Example: Hinduism Tribal(Traditional) Religions:Tribal(Traditional) Religions: Localized religion in which a small group determines what is sacred. Example: Animism

Geographic Distribution of Religion Worldwide

Geographic Distribution of Universal Religions The three hearths of the Universal religions is in Asia. All Christianity and Islam in the Middle East (Southwest Asia). Buddhism in South Asia. Diffusion of ReligionDiffusion of Religion

Ethnic and Traditional Religions Attached to a certain location and thus harder to transmit to people elsewhere in the world. May change if the social, economic and physical conditions of a homeland change. Ethnic religions include, Hinduism, the largest, Judaism, Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), or Shintoism. There are also other smaller African traditional religions or tribal(traditional) religions. Shamanism is also a tribal religion.

Universal religions Each of the three universalizing religions are monotheistic, or believe in one God. Each are divided into branches, denomination and sects. A branch is a large and fundamental division within a religion. A denomination is a division within a branch. A sect is a relatively small denominational group that has broken away from and established church.